Quality registration puts Brantley firm in international aerospace arena

In a region that is economically stressed, being a contender in the international aerospace arena might be considered a pipe dream to some, but to Helispec Inc. of Brantley, Ala., it is a reality.

With assistance from the Auburn Technical Assistance Center (ATAC), the Alabama Technology Network Center at Auburn University, Helispec has attained AS 9100-2000 registration and is now qualified to compete for and attain a variety of industrial and governmental aerospace business contracts.

This is a major accomplishment for the company as a small business, according to Helispec officials. Founded in 2004 by Sandra Smith, Gregg Holt and Mark Topping, the small helicopter repair and overhaul plant specializes in repairing crash damaged and refurbishing a variety of helicopters from Russian MI-8 through to the Boeing CH-47 Chinook for the military, civil agencies and private customers.

"We really got our start doing paint work,” said Helispec Chief Executive Officer Sandra Smith. “We now do a variety of repairs.”


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Helispec first began its relationship with ATAC in 2005 when Quality Specialist Chuck McPherson helped the firm attain its FAA Repair Station license.

“Once we attained FAA Repair Station licensing, we moved on to establishing a quality management system that would enable AS 9100-2000 registration,” McPherson said.

Helispec Vice President Mark Topping says it is unusual to locate an aircraft repair facility in a rural center such as Brantley, Ala. in Crenshaw County, but he adds that the company chose the location for a number of reasons.

“One of the most important reasons we selected this area is because we thought we could help the region economically,” Topping said.

Helispec averages repair and paint work on some six to eight aircraft monthly and company officials say business is growing.

“Business has started to increase,” Topping said.

He adds that the firm anticipates increasing its employee base to approximately 30 by the end of the year.

AS 9100-2000 is the quality measurement standard for the aerospace industry. Criteria are based on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards; however, the International Aerospace Standard (AS 9100-2000) includes some 80 certification measures over and above the ISO certification process for other types of manufacturing.

“Now that we have attained AS 9100-2000 registration, we plan to continue our relationship with ATAC to assist us in achieving AS 9110 certification for aircraft maintenance organizations,” Smith said.